Mono County, California
Looking for the best backpacking in Mono County? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mono County. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Mono County
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37.739698,-119.564018
Snow Creek Trail
5.020.43 mi / 2700 ft gainThis is truly a beautiful hike. Although it’s not the easiest, you are rewarded by the views. From the Mirror Lake trailhead (shuttle stop #17), it is 0.9 miles to the Snow Creek trailhead and 1.7 miles to the Snow Creek overlook where you can camp in close proximity. Once you reach the top, you...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
Thru-Hike the John Muir Trail
5.0203.17 mi / 44944 ft gainTo thru hike the JMT is probably one of the sickest trips to do! It's not a heavy commitment like the PCT or AT but it's also no week long vacation from work, backpacking the woods of your local forests either. There's a sweet spot in thru hiking and I believe this trail gives the full taste. You...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Clouds Rest from Glacier Point
4.023.85 mi / 6942 ft gainStart from Glacier Point around 7,200 feet leaving on the Panoramic Trail. Head down 2 miles to Illilouette Falls (5,800 feet). Once you cross the bridge at Illilouette Falls you go up Panorama Point and head back down to Nevada Falls (5,971 feet). Once you reach Nevada Falls fill up on as much w...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Sentinel Dome and Taft Point Loop
5.05.17 mi / 1076 ft gainSENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT TRAILHEAD: About an hour drive from Yosemite Valley campgrounds. This trailhead is an intersection of the starting point of the Taft Point trail and Sentinel Dome trail. It is a short walk (and visible) from the parking lot. In doing both trails, it would be an esti...Read more -
Yosemite Valley, California
El Capitan Trail
5.014.68 mi / 5052 ft gainStart on the Yosemite Falls trailhead and work your way up. Yosemite Falls can be anywhere from a huge flow to a slow trickle depending on the time of year. Hiking boots are absolutely necessary and hiking poles are a huge benefit. Say hello to rock climbers at the top as they finish their El Cap...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Yosemite's Eagle Peak via Yosemite Falls
12.6 mi / 3779 ft gainGet a permit. Any overnight backpacking in Yosemite requires a permit from the Wilderness Center. Before you leave make sure to get one! Get a bear canister! Bears are active in Yosemite and all backpackers must take the required measures to keep food away from them! Start at Camp 4. Eagle Pe...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Camp at Glacier Point
4.79.17 mi / 3491 ft gainEveryone that knows Yosemite, knows Glacier Point. An overlook that attracts thousands of people per day that drive up via Glacier Point Road is rarely vacant of the hustle and bustle of people. However, there is a loop hole here, and when the stars align you can have Glacier Point ALL to yoursel...Read more -
Madera County, California
Backpack to Lower Merced Pass Lake
4.023 mi / 880 ft gainLMPL (let's be honest, the full name is a mouthful) is situated just below the crest of Merced Pass, and can be accessed by hiking south from Yosemite Valley, or north from Chiquito Pass. This is a stunning and much less crowded spot to camp, or a great way to access some of the less climbed moun...Read more -
Tuolumne County, California
Backpack Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne
5.048.29 mi / 10610 ft gainThis is a rugged overnight backpack into the North country of Yosemite dropping in from Tuolumne Meadows into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. The trail begins at an elevation just under 9,000' and drops to a low elevation of 4,500' almost 19 miles later at Pate Valley. Coming up out of Pate Val...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack to Lower Ottoway Lake
32 mi / 2400 ft gainThe hike begins at Mono Meadows trailhead along Glacier Point Road, first descending 2.8 steep miles to Illilouette Creek. Above the Illilouette Junction, take in views of the Valley's granite domes before beginning the post-burn forested slog. The trail covers an additional 10 miles of relativel...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Hike to Eagle Peak via Rockslides Trail
4.016.07 mi / 5568 ft gainA Yosemite Valley trip in May has tourist filled buses, noisy car alarms, and crowded trails written all over it. Thus, I wanted to avoid the beaten path. Looking into possible destinations, John Muir once said in regards to Eagle Peak, "where the most comprehensive of all the views to be had on ...Read more -
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California
Dewey Point via McGurk Meadow Trailhead
5.07.51 mi / 300 ft gainBefore you start, be sure to visit the Yosemite Valley Visitor Center and grab an overnight permit. More info on this at nps.gov. This trail meanders through beautiful, dense meadows full of wildlife - watch for bears! When you're not hiking among the wildflowers and babbling brooks, you're enc...Read more -
Bishop, California
Hike Pine Creek Pass to Lower Pine Lake
10 mi / 2500 ft gainThe Pine Creek Pass is usable for day hiking and overnight adventures. If you'd like to spend the night, be sure to pickup a wilderness permit! If you plan to bring a four legged friend, make sure to indicate that on your wilderness permit request. There are several lakes you can stop at througho...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Dewey Point via Tunnel View
5.09.25 mi / 2979 ft gainDewey Point lies on the western side of the Pohono Trail, across the valley from El Capitan and above Cathedral Rocks. When I was there in September, it was deserted but for a few birds drifting on the thermals above the cliffs. The sunset was stunning. It felt like there was nothing between me a...Read more -
Lakeshore, California
John Muir Trail: Camping at Bear Creek
The trail follows the creek for a few miles as it cascades forming very tempting pools and places to lay out. Try to resist jumping in the first pool you see and setting up camp. Although you really can't go wrong, some of the sweetest and deepest pools come after passing by a few smaller pools. ...Read more -
Mariposa County, California
Backpack Yosemite's South Rim
5.018 mi / 2800 ft gainStep 1: Get Wilderness Permit from the Wilderness Office the day before! Permits are free and required. This trail is a Point-to-Point trail so make sure you have a shuttle situation figured out (or you can always hitch hike). The best option is to get dropped off at Tunnel View so that you don'...Read more